While supplies of water and electricity are in good shape, Mayor Don Wesely today reminded
residents that it is still a good idea to use these resources wisely and conserve when possible
during the current heat spell.

"As we look at situations in other parts of the country, we realize how fortunate we are to have
adequate supplies of water and electric power," said Mayor Wesely. "At the same time, we can't
take these important resources for granted and be wasteful. Conservation is important for our
environment and for our pocketbooks."

While electricity use in Lincoln is at record levels, Terry Bundy, Administrator and CEO of the
Lincoln Electric System (LES), says there is no problem with supply. Information on conserving
energy is available at the LES downtown office, on the web at www.les.com or by calling
473-3720.

Jerry Obrist, Chief Engineer with the Lincoln Water System (LWS), says Platte River flows in
western Nebraska are below normal, but river flows and groundwater levels in the Ashland area
along the Platte are normal for this time of year. LWS has recently completed several
construction projects to meet increasing water demand. A ten million gallon reservoir near 75th
and Vine streets is now operational. A pumping station near 84th Street and Pine Lake Road has
also been completed, with additional pumping stations being planned for the rapidly growing areas
in the western and northern (north of Highlands) areas of Lincoln.

The Mayor's Water Conservation Task Force has information on drought-tolerant plants and
grasses that use little water and on indoor and outdoor watering. Brochures are available at
nurseries, LWS offices and the County-City Building. The information is also available on the
city web site at www.lincoln.ne.gov. Obrist says outdoor watering should be done during
the coolest part of the day, and gardens, small trees and shrubs should be the first plants watered.